LATEST | J.T. Miller points out the one coach that made him the player he is today

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Felip Gosselin
August 13, 2023 (8:41 PM)

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J.T. Miller has generated many headlines this year and even more since he appeared on the Cam and Strick podcast, where he delivered a few truths.

During the interview, the two hosts and Miller shared stories about his development and the steps he had to take to become the superstar he is today. The Canucks number 9 pointed out one coach that made a huge difference in his development as a young up-and-coming player.

Miller joined the Rangers during the 2012-2013 lock-out after being the 15th overall selection in the 2011 draft. When he first joined the NHL, John Tortorella was the bench boss, Miller referred to that experience as ''humbling,'' but it was truly Alain Vigneault that caused the switch.

'' I'm sure you guys know ... We had a rocky relationship, but I think at the end of the day, it was all for the better of me. I've said that openly and honestly; he's helped me create a standard for myself that I look to see in my teammates and continually do to myself. ... I was 20, 21 and 22 years old... He was hard on me, that's for sure, but at the end of the day, I think it helped create the player that I am now''

Miller added that he's continuously learning and progressing even though he's turned 30. A passionate player who cares about winning more than anything else, Miller has demonstrated times and times again that he wears his heart on his sleeve. Hopefully, Rick Tocchet will show him how to become the player, and the leader the Canucks need him to be.

This only adds to the heritage left behind by Alain Vigneault, the former Head Coach who spent seven seasons behind the Canucks' bench, taking the team to that Cup Finale in 2011.